[He looks back up at the ceiling, mildly annoyed with that involuntary response. To some degree, he does get it, but I think there's a depth he's missing still.] Not when it took so long to get the clear ones, I should think.

[Probably because he's a bit thick about these things. There might be a learning curve there though. At least she's hoping there is.]

Mmmmhmmm, did take a while. Lucky we're past all that now.

[There is. A learning curve as well as the ability to accept it when he does see it. Both will come with time and advancement in the relationship.]

[He makes a vague exhalation of skepticism.] Yes, past the confusing initial stages and into the intermediary ones that are doubly so.

[She's very patient. They've both got some things to learn and accept.]

More confusing. [She'll admit that.] But with some benefits. [Pointedly the snuggles not to mention the kissing.]

True. There are some benefits to being perpetually confused, I'm finding. Good confusion. The sort that leads to eventual discovery and slightly less confusion. And learning! I love learning. I hope I never stop learning - all sorts of things.

[He makes her smile and she nods a bit.] Promise, never stop learnin'. I'll come up with new things if I need to keep you learnin'.

Really? [See, that's just the sort of thing she would do, too. Make things up purely for his benefit. It's where her Minister of Time Lord Entertainment title rings so true. But it gets a big grin out of him.] Well that'll make it much easier not to know what they are.

[Well she did earn the title.] Particularly 'cause you'll have to figure out if it's the truth or not.

Haven't even gotten there and you're already talking about tricks!

Got to keep you on your toes, don't I? [She pokes him a bit in his side teasingly.]

Ow! Yes. Do a pretty good job of that without too much effort, I think.

Wouldn't be very good at bein' me if I didn't would I? [She might have said 'at being a companion' but she doesn't like being put in with other companions that got left behind.]

[It would have likely just provoked a slightly different compliment.] You're quite good at that as well. Very unique gift, that one.

Hmmm I'm a very unique human. [She says it with the sort of cocky tone he always does when flexing his ego.]

[He beams at her and pulls her closer to him.] Yes, you are! [My unique human.]

[And that makes her smile, squeezing her arm around him a bit tighter as well.] Think your ego's contagious, Doctor. [She's teasing him.]